Los Angeles Triathlon - Olympic Distance - TriathlonOlympic

I've been on the verge of panic during previous ocean swims, but this was a breakthrough for me. Stayed calm throughout, paced myself well, and enjoyed every moment. This was a breeze by comparison. Warm, clean water was a plus, although the surf (4-6 feet) was difficult for some.

I was pretty fast. Probably I left a bit too much in the water.

Winded coming up the beach in loose sand. Big T1 area with bikes racked for what seemed like miles. Went about my work fairly efficiently and pedaled out onto the course with good composure.

Biking has been my weakness. Although the time may look slow to some, this was a strong showing for me. I got passed by plenty of folks, but few of them blew by me. Felt vaguely proud that I managed to hold off a few guys with $3,000 bikes until well after the half way point.

Again, faster than normal for me, which proved short-sighted (see below). Still, nice to see some improvement.

Fumbled with my shoestrings for some reason. Had trouble focusing. Trip to the porta-potties cost me a minute or so.

This is where the wheels came off. I manged to run 8:30 miles at the Santa Cruz Sentinel Tri last year. I've been running consistently this summer and set a 10K PR in June (43:56). Was secretly hoping to put in a sub 50 minute run, but the first big hill on Grand Ave took my breath away completely and knocked me for a loop. Walked and shuffled for the next two miles with a hot dagger sticking in my gut. Got my composure back slowly, and managed to jog the second half at a more respectable clip, but nothing like what I had hoped for.

It's pretty clear that I didn't leave myself enough gas for the run. Was probably over confident about what I could do based on the good stand-alone runs I've had this summer. Better get serious about brick training.

Out of gas early in the run. Drank and ate in good measure throughout the course, so I think it was something more than nutrition. Been very stressed and anxious for the last few weeks because of work. Maybe that took a toll?


Great traffic control. More help needed at the aid stations.